The University of Texas football program has long been one of the most high-profile programs in college football, with a storied history and a reputation for producing some of the nation’s top athletes. Yet, as the 2023 season has shown, this season has been one of incredible upheaval, challenges, and uncertainty. A major storyline for the Longhorns this year has been the dramatic battle between two highly talented quarterbacks, Arch Manning and Quinn Ewers, both of whom have faced their own personal struggles to overcome the immense pressure and expectations placed on them as they try to lead Texas to success.
In the face of adversity, including a controversial “Bevo ban” that shook the program’s morale, both Manning and Ewers have been forced to prove their worth and defy the odds. While the media and fans have largely focused on their rivalry and potential for future success, this season has been one in which both quarterbacks have shown remarkable resilience and determination to thrive under challenging circumstances. Their paths to success are not just defined by competition, but by their ability to rise above the noise and excel despite the challenges surrounding them.
The Bevo Ban: A Shocking Setback for Texas Football
Before we dive into the quarterback battle between Manning and Ewers, it is important to understand the context in which this battle is taking place. Texas football, which had been undergoing a period of resurgence under head coach Steve Sarkisian, was rocked by a shocking controversy in the lead-up to the 2023 season. The “Bevo Ban,” as it came to be known, created a stir among players, coaches, and fans alike.
The Bevo Ban stemmed from a highly publicized incident during the 2022 season when a conflict between the Texas Longhorns’ mascot, Bevo, and an opposing team’s live mascot went viral. The event, which saw Bevo’s aggressive behavior toward the other mascot, sparked national conversation about the safety and decorum surrounding live mascots in college sports. In a move to prevent further incidents, the university made the unprecedented decision to suspend Bevo’s participation in major game-day events, including pre-game ceremonies, indefinitely.
While the Bevo Ban was not directly related to the team’s on-field performance, it created a disruption that reverberated through the program. The Longhorns have long associated their identity with the presence of Bevo, a symbol of Texas pride and tradition. The ban led to backlash from alumni, fans, and even players, many of whom felt the decision undermined the team’s connection to the state’s rich football heritage.
For players like Arch Manning and Quinn Ewers, whose personal legacies are intertwined with the Longhorns’ historic program, the Bevo Ban was a significant distraction. Not only did it ignite controversy, but it also added an unnecessary layer of complexity to an already high-pressure environment. In a season that was supposed to mark Texas’ return to national prominence, the Bevo Ban provided an emotional hurdle that had to be navigated by players and coaches alike.
The Battle for the Starting Quarterback Job: Ewers vs. Manning
Amidst this turbulence, the quarterback position at Texas became a focal point for both the program and its fans. Quinn Ewers, the incumbent starting quarterback, entered the 2023 season with high expectations following a promising 2022 campaign. Ewers, a former top recruit and transfer from Ohio State, had shown flashes of brilliance but struggled with consistency. His arm strength, athleticism, and ability to make big plays had all been evident, but Ewers had yet to fully put together a standout season that matched his talent.
In contrast, Arch Manning—perhaps the most highly-anticipated quarterback recruit in recent memory—arrived at Texas with an immense burden of expectations. The nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, Arch was already under a microscope before stepping onto the field. His pedigree, combined with his standout performances at Isidore Newman High School in New Orleans, made him the center of attention for Longhorns fans and the college football world. Manning’s arrival added an intriguing dynamic to the quarterback competition, and the tension between him and Ewers became palpable.
As the 2023 season progressed, both quarterbacks found themselves battling not just for the starting job, but for their own sense of identity within the program. For Ewers, the pressure to deliver and secure his place as the leader of the Longhorns’ offense intensified. His strong arm and ability to make explosive plays were both assets and liabilities, as his inconsistency at times led to costly turnovers and missed opportunities.
For Manning, the situation was even more complex. Though he had shown promise in practice and scrimmages, there was little question that he was still adjusting to the speed and complexity of college football. Despite his immense talent, the fact remained that he was a freshman facing one of the toughest quarterback competitions in the country. The pressure of being the next Manning quarterback, combined with the heightened expectations placed on him by the Bevo Ban and the ongoing drama, made it an uphill battle.
Overcoming Adversity: Ewers and Manning Rise Above
Despite the external distractions and internal pressures, both Ewers and Manning have shown remarkable poise and resilience. For Ewers, the focus has shifted from individual performance to team success. While his inconsistency in the first half of the season was apparent, he has steadily developed into a more mature and reliable leader. Through his leadership, Ewers has started to make more accurate decisions, avoid turnovers, and perform under pressure. His connection with his receiving corps, particularly standout wide receivers like Xavier Worthy, has been a bright spot for the Longhorns’ offense. Ewers’ ability to embrace the role of a leader and elevate his play in key moments has played a crucial role in Texas’ resurgence.
Manning, on the other hand, has demonstrated a sense of maturity well beyond his years. Though he has not been the starter for the majority of the 2023 season, his work ethic and understanding of the game have made him an invaluable asset to the team. Manning has shown flashes of brilliance in his limited playing time, demonstrating why he was such a highly coveted recruit. His ability to stay poised in difficult situations, despite being thrust into the spotlight from day one, has earned him the respect of his teammates and coaches. Furthermore, Manning has been working closely with Ewers to learn the nuances of the offense, preparing for the eventual day when he will likely take over as the program’s starting quarterback.
Together, Ewers and Manning have formed a unique and collaborative partnership, each pushing the other to grow while supporting the team’s overall success. Though the quarterback competition may be heated, both players understand the importance of team chemistry, and their mutual respect has been instrumental in keeping Texas focused amid the chaos created by external distractions like the Bevo Ban.
The Future of Texas Football: Defying the Odds
The fight for the starting quarterback position at Texas is far from over, but one thing is clear: both Arch Manning and Quinn Ewers are more than capable of leading the Longhorns to success. Their ability to rise above the distractions and adversity that have marked the 2023 season speaks to their mental toughness and resilience. With each passing game, both players are defying the odds, proving that they are not defined by the noise surrounding them.
As Texas looks toward the future, it is clear that the Longhorns are in good hands. Whether Ewers or Manning ultimately becomes the permanent starter, both have shown that they possess the skills, leadership, and determination to excel. The Bevo Ban may have shaken the program temporarily, but it has also brought out the best in the quarterbacks. For the Longhorns, their path to success—no matter who is under center—remains as bright as ever.
